Understanding how cytomegalovirus affects the immune system and causes birth defects
Mechanisms Regulating Cytomegalovirus
This study is looking at how the human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) affects people with weak immune systems and can cause birth defects, with the goal of finding new ways to treat the virus by understanding how it works in the body.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Iowa City VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Iowa City, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10950317 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms by which human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infects individuals, particularly focusing on its impact on those with weakened immune systems and its role in causing birth defects. The team aims to identify critical points in the viral lifecycle, specifically during the transcription and DNA replication phases, to discover new therapeutic targets. Utilizing advanced technologies such as functional genomics and bioinformatics, the researchers analyze how viral transcription factors interact with the virus's DNA to inform potential treatment strategies. By understanding these processes, the research seeks to pave the way for more effective antiviral therapies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with compromised immune systems, such as veterans or those with underlying health conditions, as well as pregnant women at risk of HCMV-related birth defects.
Not a fit: Patients who are not infected with HCMV or those with fully functioning immune systems may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of new antiviral treatments that are more effective and less prone to resistance, improving outcomes for patients affected by HCMV.
How similar studies have performed: While there has been significant research on HCMV, this approach focusing on the specific mechanisms of transcription and replication is relatively novel and aims to fill existing gaps in knowledge.
Where this research is happening
Iowa City, United States
- Iowa City VA Medical Center — Iowa City, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Meier, Jeffery L — Iowa City VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Meier, Jeffery L
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.